St Pancras Old Church is believed to be one of the oldest sites of Christian worship in London and in England. It was previously known as St Pancras Church until St Pancras New Church was built a little over half a mile away.
The St Pancras Old Church site is believed to have been used for Christian worship as far back as AD 313 or 314. It was the church of the parish of St Pancras. In the 14th century, however, the population abandoned the site and moved to Kentish Town, probably because the place was prone to flooding and the availability of better wells in Kentish Town.
After the old settlement was abandoned, the church became dilapidated. When St Pancras New Church was consecrated in 1822, it also lost its status as the central church of the parish, and became a chapel of ease. More churches were added in the district of the original St Pancras parish, and by 1890, it has been divided into 33 ecclesiastical parishes.
The growing population around St Pancras Old Church finally decided to restore it in 1847. What we can see today of the church dates back to the Victorian era, with only traces of Norman masonry remaining. During restoration, a tower was built to replace the old one. The building was also lengthened, though it remained quite small. Another restoration took place in 1948 following damage in war bombing.
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St Pancras Old Church
Author: Paul ... (cc-by-sa-2.0)
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